National Metallurgists Awards: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy champions innovation and sustainability
3 min read
Bengaluru: The city witnessed a gathering of some of the brightest minds in metallurgy as the Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H D Kumaraswamy delivered a stirring speech at the National Metallurgists Awards ceremony.
The event organised by The Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) in association with JSW Steel, celebrated innovation, dedication and excellence in metallurgy and steelmaking, setting the tone for India’s future in the sector.
“This event is a tribute to the excellence, innovation, and dedication shaping the field of metallurgy and steelmaking,” the minister said, opening his address.
He highlighted the significance of hosting the event in Bengaluru, a city synonymous with progress and innovation.
The minister emphasised the pivotal role of the steel industry in nation-building, saying, “From skyscrapers to highways, railways to defense, steel powers our progress and fuels our ambitions.” With India striving to become a $5 trillion economy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that steel remains central to this transformation, showcasing the country’s resilience on the global stage.
Challenges and Opportunities
While lauding the sector’s achievements, the minister acknowledged ongoing challenges such as market volatility, sustainability imperatives, and the critical need for innovation. The government’s commitment to supporting the steel industry was reaffirmed with references to forward-looking policies, including the National Steel Policy 2017 and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel.
“The need for a circular economy and scrap recycling is more urgent than ever,” the minister remarked.
He also called for greater collaboration between steelmakers and top research institutions such as IISc and IITs to foster innovation, especially in specialty steel—a sector he described as crucial for future growth.
Commitment to Sustainability
The minister emphasised India’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, placing the steel industry at the forefront of this transformation.
He underscored the importance of adopting hydrogen-based steelmaking and renewable energy to set global benchmarks for sustainable production.
“By aligning with our national mission to combat climate change, the steel industry is not just meeting domestic needs but also taking a lead on the global stage,” he asserted.
Celebrating Excellence
The ceremony also shined a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of individuals in the field of metallurgy.
The minister congratulated the awardees, saying, “Your dedication inspires the next generation and strengthens India’s industrial progress.” He urged all stakeholders to unite in their pursuit of innovation and sustainability, ensuring India’s steel industry remains competitive globally.
The event concluded with a hopeful message for the future: “Let us ensure India’s steel industry meets domestic needs while leading on the global stage. Together, we can achieve great heights.”
Shasi S Mohanty was recognized with the **Lifetime Achievement Award** for his remarkable contributions to metallurgy. The **National Metallurgist Award** was conferred upon Dr T P D Rajan for his exemplary work in the sector.
In the category of Research and Development in Steel, Dr D Satish Kumar was honored for his innovative advancements. The Young Metallurgist Awards celebrated rising talent, with Dr Sai Goutam Gopalkrishnan and Biraj Kumar Sahoo receiving recognition for their contributions to the field.
The National Metallurgists Awards ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished leaders in the field of metallurgy and steelmaking.
Sajjan Jindal, President of the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), Prof B S Murthy, Vice President of IIM, Brigadier Arun Ganguli (Retd.) and Dr Dhiren Panda, Convenor of IIM-ATM were present.
-Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
